Suggestions on where to apply?

[xatlasb]

I was hoping to get a good idea of how many schools I should apply to and where. I of course want a good chance of being accepted, but at the same time I'd like to be cost-efficient. Ideas?

Here are my stats:

GPA: 3.4 overall, 3.3 science, 3.2 BCP, all with upward trend, and at UCLA.
DAT: 23 AA, 24 TS, 21 PAT, 24 RC, 20 RC
EC: Lots of extra curriculars, including sports, RA, research (writing a thesis and scholarship for it), work, pre-dental club, other clubs, etc.
Shadowing: 50+ hours

I'm really hoping for schools that overlook lower GPA and focus on DAT? From what I know, Columbia and UoP?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

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[KittySquared]

I'd apply to no less than 10 schools.

Definitely throw UOP in your list. They love high DAT scores and don't mind a slightly lower GPA. Most places like GPA of 3.5 and above, but I see a lot of people getting into UOP with 3.3 and 3.4s and very high DATs like yours. You can

 

[free99]

I made this thread a couple weeks ago detailing the schools to which I am applying. Check out the attached spreadsheet for school-specific stats. What is your residency? Always apply to your state schools, if you have them.

 

[xatlasb]

What do you think chances are with Columbia? I have a strong preference to be in NY due to a loved one being there as well.

I am a CA resident.

 

[xatlasb]

bump

 

[KittySquared]

What do you think chances are with Columbia? I have a strong preference to be in NY due to a loved one being there as well.

I am a CA resident.

Very very slim. You should really have a much higher GPA to have a shot with Columbia.

 

[xatlasb]

Very very slim. You should really have a much higher GPA to have a shot with Columbia.

I have a lot of research experience and other extra-curriculars, and am coming from UCLA, would that make any difference?

I got the 2013 ADEA guide and went through schools. Here's what I've narrowed down. Suggestions/thoughts/opinions?

NYU
Columbia
UCLA
UCSF
UoP
Midwestern (Illinois)
University of Penn
University of Connecticut
Howard University
Tufts
Creighton

 

[IsaacYankem]

Any reason why you chose Midwestern (IL) and not Midwestern AZ?

 

[xatlasb]

Any reason why you chose Midwestern (IL) and not Midwestern AZ?

According to ADEA, easier to get into in terms of GPA. And I would prefer being in Midwest than Arizona.

 

[KittySquared]

I have a lot of research experience and other extra-curriculars, and am coming from UCLA, would that make any difference?

I got the 2013 ADEA guide and went through schools. Here's what I've narrowed down. Suggestions/thoughts/opinions?

NYU
Columbia
UCLA
UCSF
UoP
Midwestern (Illinois)
University of Penn
University of Connecticut
Howard University
Tufts
Creighton

Unfortunately, not really. It wouldn't be a huge advantage to your application. Remember, it doesn't hurt to come from a great school, but don't rely on its reputation to get you an "edge up" against other apps with nearly identical stats from other large and reputable schools. And I assure you, there are a lot of applicants with identical scores as you.

UConn is tough to get in. It's a state school. A lot of students have stats just like yours and still got rejected from Columbia. You could try Marquette and Minnesota.